A militant spokesman said Israel had kept displaced Palestinians from returning to northern Gaza, targeted Gazans with shelling and blocked aid.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has ended a controversial system that paid stipends to the families of Palestinian prisoners, including those convicted in deadly attacks on Israel. The step is aimed at improving relations with the new administration of President Donald Trump.

Hamas announced Monday it will hold back releasing hostages at the end of the week until further notice, according to a statement by the group reported by multiple media outlets. Hamas,